Shillong, Jul 29: Citing interference in Khasi-Jaintia customs, the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Kur Ka Bri U Hynñiewtrep has called an assembly of clan elders and community leaders to strengthen indigenous institutions.
The Synjuk has invited all Rangbah Kur, Waheh Kur, Rangbah Shnong, and village headmen across Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) areas to the “Tipkur Tipkha Movement” gathering at Dorbar Hall, Smit Village, Hima Khyrim on Saturday at 11 am.
The movement aims to unite clans by reinforcing the authority of each Seng Kur and Dorbar Kur under customary institutions, a press release said.
The Synjuk urged clans to register and seek recognition with KHADC or JHADC, and to notify the Synjuk to enable coordination of welfare efforts.
The council said persistent attempts by individuals, groups and even institutions are undermining indigenous ways and threatening the three pillars of Khasi identity: Khyndew (land), Ktien (language) and Kur (maternal lineage).
It noted challenges to the matrilineal system and the Khasi language, which still awaits full constitutional recognition. The Synjuk stressed that in Khasi tradition, clan identity is traced through the mother, with fathers and maternal uncles serving as guardians and Rangbah Kur within the Dorbar system.
The assembly will feature scholars speaking on indigenous customs, legal issues, and anthropological aspects. The Synjuk said the movement represents “the voice that rises from the very bloodline of our ancestral clans and kinship” and reaffirmed commitment to protect land, resources and customary governance from unwarranted encroachment.
